Xabier Uriagereka
After a week of the AUSAPE 2025 Forum, in which the main actors (users) of the SAP ecosystem in Spain have gathered, it seems appropriate to share a more calm analysis of what we have seen and heard, in order to identify the most relevant trends highlighted during the event.
An analysis that we share from i3s with the conviction that the SAP ecosystem is entering a new phase of maturity and transformation, to consolidate itself as a technological leader in the digital transformation of companies.
These are the most relevant points after two intense days full of talks, meetings and presentations.
S/4HANA. From trend to operational reality
The message has been clear in all sessions and conversations: SAP S/4HANA is today the key to the digital transformation of organizations. The debate no longer revolves around whether or not to migrate, but how to migrate and when:
- New implementations (Greenfield) or conversions (Brownfield), depending on the starting point of each company.
- Increasingly focused on the benefits of integrated integrated AI and on the adoption of new and standardized processes.
Compliance. From technical challenge to business priority
Another major cross-cutting theme of the Ausape Forum 2025 was the evolution of Compliance, the digitalization of the B2G (Business to Government) relationship. From being a technical challenge, it has become a business priority in all sectors. Among the attendees, it has been clear the interest in everything related to new regulations in Spain, such as:
- CREA and CRECE Law
- Verifactu
- New electronic invoicing and taxation obligations.
These changes have a direct impact on SAP processes, both in current systems and in S/4HANA migration strategies. It is clear that compliance is going to be a key driver of digital transformation in the coming years.
SuccessFactors. Towards a truly integrated model
In the field of people management, SuccessFactors (SSFF) continues to consolidate its position as a very important axis of transformation:
- More than a simple tool change, it is a new, more integrated and cloud-native approach.
- The most common way is to start with Employee Central and Successions, and then add other complementary modules.
- The integration with S/4HANA is one of the most critical and strategic aspects that will need to be rigorously addressed.
- And as is well known, Payroll remains the great challenge of these transitions, both technically and organizationally.
Workplace Safety. Automation, AI and traceability in safety management.
One of the aspects that has gained weight in this edition has undoubtedly been Workplace Safety (WPS):
- The trend is clearly towards more automated management, with less manual work and more artificial intelligence support.
- Traceability of subsequent data becomes a key element, providing transparency and control.
- Special focus on the integration of WPS with Employee Central andLPerformance Management, but also with plant operating systems.
- We see here a field of great immediate potential, especially in industrial sectors.
GROW and RISE. Open debate on their future convergence
Another strategic issue that has generated much debate is the possible future convergence between GROW and RISE:
- Different visions and approaches according to customer type and partner strategy.
- There are still many unknowns about how this convergence will materialize in terms of roadmap, offer and positioning.
- It will undoubtedly be a topic that will continue to evolve and that we will follow closely.
Sustainability. An essential component of digital transformation
Far from being a parallel line of action, sustainability sustainability management is becoming an integral part of the digital transformation of organizations. To speak of digital transformation today is also to speak of:
- Process automation,
- Standardization,
- Regulatory compliance in areas such as waste management, product compliance or process transparency.
Here SAP technology plays a critical role as an enabler, and it is an area in which we are already actively working with several customers.
In the context of the Mondragon Group it is also an axis of debate and action in our own innovation forums.
The road ahead. An integral transformation.
In short, what we have seen at AUSAPE Forum 2025 confirms that the road ahead for organizations is a comprehensive digital transformation:
- Since the modernization of core systems (S/4HANA),
- through the evolution of people management models (SSFF),
- security management automation (WPS),
- and the integration of sustainability and compliance criteria as a central part of the processes.
- And BTP as a driver of continuous change integration (>Signavio>LeanIX>Data model>BDC>IA>User>)
The upcoming projects are not simple technological migrations: they are real business transformations.
At i3s we are fully aligned with this vision, and we are eager to continue accompanying our customers on this path.
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